In 1975 a newspaper advertisement attracted 50 residents to a meeting about setting up an auxiliary for Kalamunda Hospital.

President Toni Crossland said a committee was formed and 30 members signed up.

When a picture was taken in the 1970s on the steps of parliament house, little did the members know that the hospital auxiliary would still be fundraising for the hospital in another 50 years.

But that’s exactly what happened.

The strength of this volunteer group has survived five decades and this week celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Kalamunda and District Community Hospital Auxiliary from 1975 to 2025.

Toni said while originally the auxiliary offered a range of services, they had been delegated to other volunteer groups, allowing the focus to remain on the kiosk.

“Our major role remains – to raise money to provide items for the staff and patients at the hospital,” she said.

By its 10th anniversary, the auxiliary had raised $11,000 to purchase medical equipment and other sundry items for the hospital, in particular for the maternity ward.

Before the opening of the kiosk, volunteers took a shopping trolley of goods around the wards to sell to patients.

By its 25th anniversary, membership had increased to 100.

A purpose-built outside kiosk was opened in 1991.

This greatly improved the fundraising activities and $43,000 was donated to the hospital that year.

Ten years later, the outdoor kiosk was demolished to make way for extensions to the palliative care wards.

But a further $45,000 was raised for medical equipment, lockable

bedside cabinets for the patients and specialised wheelchairs.

For a while, the auxiliary operated a kiosk out of a small room and continued the trolley system.

The new inside kiosk was opened in August 2006.

By the 40th anniversary, the auxiliary had helped provide furniture for the contemplation room, sponsored and helped host the memorial services, and donated another $36,000 to the hospital.

During the last 10 years, the membership has stabilised at 35 volunteers.

The auxiliary continues to operate the kiosk and sells handmade cards, knitted slippers, beanies, scarves and mittens, and donated sewn items such as glasses cases and purses.

The raffles for special prizes also add to the kitty.

In recent years, the auxiliary has purchased special chairs and other items for the day hospice, lockers for the staff, outdoor furniture and a barbecue for the courtyard.

To each volunteer throughout the 50 years, we thank you.